Gaming method and machine for playing primary and secondary card games

ABSTRACT

In a gaming machine, a sidebet game is also executed in parallel to an each execution of baccarat base games. In the sidebet game, it is anticipated for a bet which color of suits (Black or Red) is more among all dealt cards (four or more cards) for the base game in a single game play. Each player who participates in the base game can also participate in the sidebet game arbitrarily. Therefore, since each player can participate in the sidebet game in addition to the base game in a single game play, more satisfaction can be given to each player.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-047514, filed on Feb. 27, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “GAMING METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PLAYING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CARD GAMES” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-047398, filed in Japan on Feb. 27, 2007, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The teaching of the co-pending application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not conflict with the teaching herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming method for playing a card game with one or more card decks, and a gaming machine thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Various card games using one or more card decks are known. For example, in Baccarat, which is one of the various card games, each player places a bet on “Banker” or “Player” (in addition, on “Tie”) for each game play.

Therefore, since each player can place a bet on only one game in a single game play, the player cannot enjoy the game play deeply despite the time period of the single game play. Not only applied to Baccarat, there may be the same circumstances also in the other card games such as Blackjack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has an object of providing a gaming method or a gaming machine, which can satisfy a player.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming method for playing primary and secondary card games. The gaming method comprises: (a) placing a first bet on the primary card game, (b) placing an optional second bet on the secondary card game, (c) displaying and then disclosing cards dealt for the primary card game, (d) awarding a prize for the first bet according to a rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, and (e) awarding a prize for the optional second bet according to a rule of the secondary card game based on colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the cards are displayed (dealt) and then disclosed (faced-up) for the primary card game and the secondary card game, in which a prize will be awarded based on the colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

Therefore, a player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game arbitrarily in addition to placing the first bet on the primary card game in a single game play. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in the single game play.

It is preferable that the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated color of suits. In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits anticipated by the player come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated color of suits. In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the first bet is essential for a game play. According to this, the optional second bet on the secondary card game can be placed when the first bet has been placed on the primary card game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the primary card game includes a baccarat game. According to this, the player can place the optional second bet arbitrarily on the secondary card game in addition to the first bet on the baccarat game during a single baccarat game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play of the baccarat game.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming method for playing primary and secondary card games. The gaming method comprises: (a) placing a first bet on the primary card game, (b) placing an optional second bet on the secondary card game, (c) displaying and then disclosing cards dealt for the primary card game, (d) awarding a prize for the first bet according to a rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, and (e) awarding a prize for the optional second bet according to a rule of the secondary card game based on kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cards are displayed (dealt) and then disclosed (faced-up) for the primary card game and the secondary card game, in which a prize will be awarded based on the kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

Therefore, a player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game arbitrarily in addition to placing the first bet on the primary card game in a single game play. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in the single game play.

It is preferable that the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated kind of suits. In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits anticipated by the player come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated kind of suits. In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the first bet is essential for a game play. According to this, the optional second bet on the secondary card game can be placed when the first bet has been placed on the primary card game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the primary card game includes a baccarat game. According to this, the player can place the optional second bet arbitrarily on the secondary card game in addition to the first bet on the baccarat game during a single baccarat game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play of the baccarat game.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine for playing primary and secondary card games. The gaming machine comprises: at least one gaming terminal at which a first bet is placed on the primary card game and an optional second bet is placed on the secondary card game; a memory in which a rule of the primary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the first bet and a rule of the secondary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the optional second bet are stored; and a controller. The controller is operable to: (a) accepting the first bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (b) accepting the optional second bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (c) award a prize for the first bet according to the rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, after accepting of the first bet and the optional second bet have been closed, and (d) award a prize for the optional second bet according to the rule of the secondary card game based on colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the cards are displayed (dealt) and then disclosed (faced-up) for the primary card game and the secondary card game, in which a prize will be awarded based on the colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

Therefore, a player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game arbitrarily in addition to placing the first bet on the primary card game in a single game play. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in the single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept an anticipated color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b). In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical. Furthermore, the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits anticipated by the player come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept an anticipated color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b). In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical. Furthermore, the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept the optional second bet in (b) only when the first bet has been accepted in (a). According to this, the player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game at the gaming terminal when the player has placed the first bet on the primary card game at the gaming terminal. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the primary card game includes a baccarat game. According to this, the player can place the optional second bet arbitrarily on the secondary card game in addition to the first bet on the baccarat game during a single baccarat game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play of the baccarat game.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine for playing primary and secondary card games. The gaming machine comprises: at least one gaming terminal at which a first bet is placed on the primary card game and an optional second bet is placed on the secondary card game; a memory in which a rule of the primary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the first bet and a rule of the secondary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the optional second bet are stored; and a controller. The controller is operable to: (a) accepting the first bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (b) accepting the optional second bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (c) award a prize for the first bet according to the rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, after accepting of the first bet and the optional second bet have been closed, and (d) award a prize for the optional second bet according to the rule of the secondary card game based on kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the cards are displayed (dealt) and then disclosed (faced-up) for the primary card game and the secondary card game, in which a prize will be awarded based on the kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.

Therefore, a player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game arbitrarily in addition to placing the first bet on the primary card game in a single game play. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in the single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept an anticipated kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b). In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical. Furthermore, the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits anticipated by the player come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept an anticipated kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b). In addition, the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical. Furthermore, the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).

The secondary card game is executed in parallel every execution of the primary card game. And then, a prize is awarded according to the rule of the secondary card game when the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.

Therefore, a player can play the secondary card game, in which the player can be awarded a prize when the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, in parallel to the primary card game. The player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to accept the optional second bet in (b) only when the first bet has been accepted in (a). According to this, the player can place the optional second bet on the secondary card game at the gaming terminal when the player has placed the first bet on the primary card game at the gaming terminal. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play.

It is preferable that the primary card game includes a baccarat game. According to this, the player can place the optional second bet arbitrarily on the secondary card game in addition to the first bet on the baccarat game during a single baccarat game. As a result, the player can place plural bets in parallel in a single game play of the baccarat game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a process of a baccarat game to which a gaming method of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a table showing points of cards in a base game of baccarat;

FIG. 3 is a table showing Player's Draw and Stand rules in the base game of baccarat;

FIG. 4 is a table showing banker's Draw and Stand rules in the base game of baccarat;

FIG. 5 is a table showing payback rules for the base game of baccarat;

FIG. 6 is a table showing payback rules for a sidebet game of baccarat to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 7 is a plan view example of a gaming table on which a baccarat game of the first embodiment is played;

FIG. 8 is a table showing payback rules for a sidebet game of baccarat to which a second embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 9 is a plan view example of a gaming table on which a baccarat game of the second embodiment is played;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of an appearance of a baccarat gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming terminal shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a screen image example displayed on a display of the gaming terminal in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a screen image example of a baccarat game executed and displayed on a communal display shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a game controller shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a baccarat gaming machine according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing memory areas of a ROM in a server shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing memory areas of a RAM in the server shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming terminal;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of the server and the game controller;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of the server and the game controller;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a gaming processing of the gaming terminal;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a betting period confirmation processing in FIG. 22;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a bet accepting processing in FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a screen image example displayed on a display of a gaming terminal of a baccarat gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming method for playing a card game according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described by referring to FIGS. 1 to 7.

Baccarat game is one of card games in which all dealt (displayed) cards are faced-up (disclosed) at the end of each game. There are some variants of baccarat game, all of which is based on the same fundamental rule, such as Banque a Tout Va, Chemin de Fer, Punto Banco (so-called Big-baccarat) and Mini-baccarat. These variants have minor differences in rules and there are also minor differences in rules in each of casinos that provide these variants. However, the fundamental rule (hereinafter a baccarat game, which is simply based on this fundamental rule, is called a base game) is common to any variants.

In the base game (corresponding to “primary card game” in claims), it is determined which hand is superior, “Player” or “Banker”. “Player” and “Banker” are imaginary card players. Specifically, in the base game, each actual player who wants to in the game places a bet on the base game using chips (gaming media) (step S1 in FIG. 1). In other words, each player anticipates and places a bet on a winner the Player or the Banker (step S2). Each player can also place a (or an additional) bet on “Tie”. Cards are dealt to the Player and the Banker after bets has been placed by players (step S3).

In step S3, two cards are dealt to each of the Player and the Banker first. And then, the third card may be dealt to the Player according to the Player's score of the initially dealt two cards. Similarly, the third card may dealt to the Banker according to the Banker's score of the initially dealt two cards and the Player's action.

Here, the Player's and Banker's scores are counted according to points shown in a table in FIG. 2. Specifically, “A (Aces)” are worth 1 point, cards “2” to “9” are worth face value thereon, and cards “10”, “J (Jack)”, “Q (Queen)” and “K (King)” are worth zero. And then, each of the Player's and Banker's scores is last single digit of the sum of two initially dealt cards.

The third card is dealt to the Player when the counted Player's score corresponds to “Draw” in a table shown in FIG. 3. The third card is not dealt to the Player when the counted Player's score corresponds to “Stand” in the table. Similarly, the third card is dealt to the banker when the counted Banker's score corresponds to “Draw” in a table shown in FIG. 4. The third card is not dealt to the Banker when the counted Banker's score corresponds to “Stand” in the table.

Note that the initially dealt cards in step S3 may be dealt with faced-down (hidden) or faced-up (disclosed). However, all of the dealt cards are needed to be faced-up before step S4.

In this manner, a payback (a payout: a prize) for the base game is provided to each winning player according to the Player's and Banker's scores after two or three cards have been dealt to each of the Player and the Banker (step S4). At the payback, the Player's and Banker's scores are counted according to the dealt cards, respectively. Then a winner is determined according to the counted scores. Specifically, one of the Player and Banker, whose score is closer (or equal) to nine than another, is a winner. The game ends with the “Tie” when both scores are equal each other. A payout amount is determined according to a result of the base game after the winner has been determined.

For example, the payout amount is determined according to a table shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, if the Player is a winner, a payback amount equal to a bet amount is provided to each player who placed a bet on the Player. In other words, the payout amount is twice as much as the bet amount (the bet amount+the payback amount). The bets placed on the Banker and the Tie are collected. Otherwise, if the banker is a winner, a payback amount equal to 95% of a bet amount is provided to each player who placed a bet on the Banker. 5% of the bet amount is provided to the house (casino) as a commission. The bets placed on the Player and the Tie are collected. In addition, if the game ends with the Tie, a payback amount eight times as much as a bet amount is provided to each player who placed a bet on the Tie. The bets placed on the Player and the Banker are returned to players who placed them, respectively. A payback rule for the base game as described above may be regulated as a local rule in each casino.

Note that in the present embodiment, the payback rule for the base game shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to a “gaming rule of the primary card game” in claims.

In the base game described above, the “Player” merely means a role in a baccarat game and is different from a “player” in claims. This point is applied to descriptions hereinafter.

In the present embodiment, a sidebet game (corresponding to “secondary card game” in claims) is also executed in parallel to an each execution of the base games. In the sidebet game of the present embodiment, it is anticipated for a bet which color of suits (Black or Red) is more among all of the dealt cards (four or more cards) in a single game play of the base game. Therefore, each player who placed a bet on the base game can also participate in the sidebet game by anticipating and placing another bet on one of colors (Black or Red) before the base game is started. Participation in the sidebet game is optional (arbitrary) similarly to a bet on the Tie.

In the above-mentioned sidebet game, each player, who placed on the base game in step S1 (FIG. 1), places an optional bet on the sidebet game in step S2. And then, a payout (payback) for the sidebet game is provided to each winning player (step S5) after (or in a lump with) the payout for the base game.

For example, a payout amount for the sidebet game is determined according to a table shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, if cards of the color on which a player placed a bet are more than cards of the other color, a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is provided to the player. In other words, the payout amount is 2.5 times as much as the bet amount (the bet amount+the payback amount). If all dealt cards have the same color as the color on which a player placed a bet, an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount is provided to the player. If cards of the other color are more than cards of the color on which a player placed a bet or if any dealt cards don't have the color on which a player placed a bet, the bet is collected. Note that if Black cards and Red cards are even, all bets placed on the Black and the Red are returned to players, respectively.

Note that in the present embodiment, the payback rule for the sidebet game shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to a gaming rule of the secondary card game in claims.

A bet on the base game in step S1 and a bet on the sidebet game in step S2 may be placed with counterchanging their placing order or may be placed simultaneously. In addition, a payout for the base game in step S4 and a payout for the sidebet game in step S5 may be provided with counterchanging their providing order or may be provided simultaneously.

A table 1 shown in FIG. 7 is used for the game, on which cards for the base game and the sidebet game are dealt by a dealer as a facilitator of the game and players place a bet the base game and the sidebet game.

A Player card area 2 a and a Banker card area 2 b are provided on the table 1. Player's cards dealt by the dealer are placed on the Player card area 2 a. Banker's cards dealt by the dealer are placed on the Banker card area 2 b.

In addition, seven areas 3 a to 3 g for being placed bets by players are also provided on the table 1. Therefore, up to seven players can participate in the game in parallel on the table 1. Numerals 1 to 8 (4 is unused) are allocated to each of the areas 3 a to 3 g.

A Player bet area 4 a to 4 g, a Banker bet area 5 a to 5 g and a Tie bet area 6 a to 6 g are provided on each of the areas 3 a to 3 g for being placed a bet for the base game. In addition, a Black bet area 7 a to 7 g and a Red bet area 8 a to 8 g are provided on each of the areas 3 a to 3 g for being placed a bet for the sidebet game.

A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Player bet areas 4 a to 4 g by each player who anticipates a Player's win. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Banker bet areas 5 a to 5 g by each player who anticipates a Banker's win. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Tie bet areas 6 a to 6 g by each player who anticipates that the game will end in a Tie. Each player cannot place chips on both the Player bet area 4 a to 4 g and the Banker bet area 5 a to 5 g at a time. However, each player can place chips on both the Player bet area 4 a to 4 g and the Tie bet area 6 a to 6 g at a time. Similarly, each player can place chips on both the Banker bet area 5 a to 5 g and the Tie bet area 6 a to 6 g at a time.

A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Black bet areas 7 a to 7 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Black suits (Spades and Clubs) will be more than cards of Red suits (Hearts and Diamonds) among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Red bet areas 8 a to 8 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Red suits (Hearts and Diamonds) will be more than cards of Black suits (Spades and Clubs) among all dealt cards at the end of the game. Each player cannot place chips on both the Black bet area 7 a to 7 g and the Red bet area 8 a to 8 g at a time.

Note that a shuffling machine 9 for shuffling cards of one or more decks, a discard area 10 within which discarded cards are placed, a drop slot 11 into which bills are dropped, and a chip tray 12 on which chips are held are further provided on the table 1.

When playing the base game and the sidebet game in parallel in the baccarat of the present embodiment, each player first places a bet for the base game on the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Specifically, each player who anticipates a Player's win places a bet on the Player bet area 4 a to 4 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates a Banker's win places a bet on the Banker bet area 5 a to 5 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates a Tie end places a bet on the Tie bet area 6 a to 6 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself.

Then, each player, who has placed a bet on the base game, arbitrarily places a bet for the sidebet game on the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Specifically, each player who anticipates that Black cards will be more than Red cards places a bet on the Black bet area 7 a to 7 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates that Red cards will be more than Black cards places a bet on the Red bet area 8 a to 8 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself.

The dealer closes accepting bets on the base game and the sidebet game, and then draws cards for the base game one by one from the shuffling machine 9 to deal two cards on each of the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b alternately. The dealer deals the cards with faced-down. And then the cards are faced-up by the dealer at the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b.

Subsequently, the dealer counts each score of the Player and the Banker. The dealer deals the third card with faced-up on the Player card area 2 a when the counted Player's score corresponds to the Draw in the table shown in FIG. 3. and then, the dealer deals the third card with faced-up to the Banker card area 2 b when the counted Banker's score corresponds to the Draw in the table shown in FIG. 4.

The dealer counts each final score of the Player and the Banker after two or three cards has been dealt on each of the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b. And then, the dealer determines the results of the base game and provide a payout for the base game to each winning player. At providing the payout, the dealer picks up chips of a payback amount equal to a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to each winning player. In addition, the dealer collects chips placed on the Player bet areas 4 a to 4 g and the Banker bet areas 5 a to 5 g by losing players in the base game and puts them on the chip tray 12. The dealer picks up chips of a payback amount eight times as much as a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to each winning player when the base game ends in a Tie. In this case, chips placed on the Player and the Banker are not collected and returned to players who have placed them, respectively.

Furthermore, the dealer determines the result of the sidebet game according to colors of suits of all faced-up cards on the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b after all cards has been dealt. And then, the dealer provides a payout for the sidebet game to each winning player. At providing the payout, the dealer picks up chips of a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to each winning player. In case where all dealt cards has the same color of suits and a player(s) who has placed a bet on the same color exists, the dealer picks up chips of a payback amount three times as much as a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to the player(s). In addition, the dealer collects chips placed by losing players on the Black bet areas 7 a to 7 g or the Red bet areas 8 a to 8 g in the sidebet game and puts them on the chip tray 12. In case where Black cards and Red cards are even, all chips placed on the Black and the Red are not collected and returned to players who have placed them, respectively.

According to the baccarat game of the above-described first embodiment, the sidebet game, in which a bet is placed on one of colors of suits (Black or Red) to be dealt more for the base game, is executed together with the base game. Each player who participates in the base game can also arbitrarily participate in the sidebet game by placing a bet for the sidebet game. Therefore, since each player can participate in the sidebet game in addition to the base game in a single game play, each player can enjoy the game play deeply and then more satisfaction can be given to each player by the game play.

Next, a gaming method for playing a card game according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described by referring to FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the sidebet game of the above-described first embodiment, a bet is placed on one of colors of suits (Black or Red) to be dealt more for the base game. However, in the sidebet game of the second embodiment described hereinafter, a bet is placed on one of suits (Spades, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds) to be dealt more for the base game.

Therefore, in the baccarat game of the second embodiment, the base game and the sidebet game are executed in parallel according to the same process as shown in FIG. 1. The base game in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The content of the sidebet game in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment.

In addition, for example, a payout amount for the sidebet game of the present embodiment is determined according to a table shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, if cards of the suit on which a player placed a bet are most among all dealt cards, a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is provided to the player. In other words, the payout amount is 2.5 times as much as the bet amount (the bet amount+the payback amount). If all dealt cards have the same suit as the suit on which a player placed a bet, an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount is provided to the player. If cards of the other suits are more than cards of the suit on which a player placed a bet or if any dealt cards don't have the suit on which a player placed a bet, the bet is collected. Note that if two or more suits are most and even, all bets are returned to players respectively without providing any payouts.

Note that in the present embodiment, the payback rule for the sidebet game shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a gaming rule of the secondary card game in claims.

A table 1A shown in FIG. 9 is used for the game, on which cards for the base game and the sidebet game are dealt by a dealer as a facilitator of the game and players place a bet for the base game and the sidebet game.

The table 1A has many commonalties with the table 1 in the first embodiment. The table 1A has only one difference that Spade bet areas 13 a to 13 g, Heart bet areas 14 a to 14 g, Club bet areas 15 a to 15 b and Diamond bet areas 16 a to 16 g are provided on the areas 3 a to 3 g respectively for being placed a bet for the sidebet game, instead of the Black bet areas 7 a to 7 g and the Red bet areas 8 a to 8 g of the table 1 in the first embodiment.

A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Spade bet areas 13 a to 13 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Spades will be most among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Heart bet areas 14 a to 14 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Hearts will be most among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Club bet areas 15 a to 15 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Clubs will be most among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A chip(s) for a bet is placed on the Diamond bet areas 16 a to 16 g by each player who anticipates that cards of Diamonds will be most among all dealt cards at the end of the game. Each player cannot place chips on two or more bet areas 13 a to 16 g at a time.

When playing the base game and the sidebet game in parallel in the baccarat of the present embodiment, each player, who has placed a bet on the base game, arbitrarily places a bet for the sidebet game on the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Specifically, each player who anticipates Spades to be most places a bet on the Spade bet area 13 a to 13 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates Hearts to be most places a bet on the Heart bet area 14 a to 14 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates Clubs to be most places a bet on the Club bet area 15 a to 15 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself. Each player who anticipates Diamonds to be most places a bet on the Diamond bet area 16 a to 16 g of the area 3 a to 3 g allocated for oneself.

The dealer closes accepting bets on the base game and the sidebet game, and then draws cards for the base game one by one from the shuffling machine 9 to deal two cards on each of the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b alternately, similarly in the first embodiment. And then, the dealer provides a payout for each of the base game and the sidebet game to each winning player after having dealt two or three cards on the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b and having faced-up all dealt cards.

At providing the payout for the sidebet game, the dealer picks up chips of a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to each winning player. In case where all dealt cards has the same suit and a player(s) who has placed a bet on the same suit exists, the dealer picks up chips of a payback amount three times as much as a bet amount from the chip tray 12 to provide the payout to the player(s). In addition, the dealer collects chips placed by losing players on the bet areas 13 a to 16 g in the sidebet game and puts them on the chip tray 12. In case where two or more suits are most and even, all chips placed on any of the suits are not collected and returned to players who have placed them, respectively.

According to the baccarat game of the above-described second embodiment, the sidebet game, in which a bet is placed on one of suits (Spades, Hearts, Clubs or Diamonds) to be dealt most for the base game, is executed together with the base game. Each player who participates in the base game can also arbitrarily participate in the sidebet game by placing a bet for the sidebet game. Therefore, since each player can participate in the sidebet game in addition to the base game in a single game play, each player can enjoy the game play deeply and then more satisfaction can be given to each player by the game play.

As described above, embodiments in which the game is played on the table 1 or the table 1A are explained. However, the above baccarat game may be played on a gaming machine to which each player can input a betting operation.

Hereinafter, a baccarat game machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described by referring to FIGS. 10 to 23.

The baccarat game machine 101 (corresponding to the “gaming machine” of the present invention) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 10 has a communal display 102, a game controller 103, plural gaming terminals 104 and a server 113. Each of the gaming terminals 104 shown in FIG. 11 has a display 108 shown in FIG. 12. Each of the gaming terminals 104 and the server 113, or the game controller 103 and the server 113 are connected each other by a local area network or the like. The game controller 103 and the server 113 are connected with each other by an exclusive signal line or the like.

The base game and the sidebet game are executed in parallel on the communal display 102 under the control of the game controller 103 and the server 113 repeatedly to be displayed to the players. The players use the gaming terminals 104 which are arranged around the communal display 102 to participate in the base game and the sidebet game. In the present embodiment, the baccarat game machine 101 has nine gaming terminals 104. Therefore, up to nine players can participate in the base game and the sidebet game in common simultaneously.

The base game of baccarat displayed on the communal display 102 is repeatedly executed at prescribed time intervals under the control of the game controller 103 and the server 113. Accordingly, a betting period (an accepting period) when a player can place a bet for the base game at each of the gaming terminals 104 is limited according to process of the game. A bet on the base game and the sidebet game cannot be placed at each of the gaming terminals 104 from completion of the betting period for the player to place a bet on the current base game and the current sidebet game until completion of a payout for the current base game and the current sidebet game. New betting period will be started after the completion of a payout and a bet on the upcoming base game and the upcoming sidebet game can be placed at each of the gaming terminals 104.

A bet screen 161 for the base game and the sidebet game, which are executed and displayed on the communal display 102, is displayed on the display 8 on each of the gaming terminals 4 as shown in FIG. 12 during the above-mentioned betting period. The bet screen 161 will be described in detail later.

FIG. 13 shows a display example of the baccarat game executed and displayed on the communal display 102 of the baccarat game machine 101 shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 13, the base game displayed on the communal display 102 is exactly equivalent to the base game executed with cards dealt on the Player card area 2 a and the Banker card area 2 b on the table 1 shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, a Player card area 102 a, a Banker card area 102 b and Player's cards, Banker's cards dealt thereon and so on are displayed on the communal display 102.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the game controller 103. As shown in FIG. 14, the game controller 103 includes a controller CPU 103 a for integrating overall control of the game controller 103, a ROM 103 b, a RAM 103 c, a hard disk drive (HDD) 103 d, a keyboard 103 e and an LCD drive circuit 103 f connected with the communal display 102.

Game programs for executing and displaying the base game on the communal display 102 are stored in the HDD 103 d and is downloaded to the RAM 103 c according to a command signal input into the keyboard 103 e. The game is executed under the control of the controller CPU 103 a based on the game programs. In addition, the controller CPU 103 a executes various processings based on input signals supplied from the server 113 and data and programs stored in the ROM 103 b and the RAM 103 c. The controller CPU 103 a transmits displaying command signals to the communal display 102 based on the results of the various processings to control executing and displaying the base game on the communal display 102 initiatively.

Next, the configuration of the gaming terminal 104 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the gaming terminal 104 has a medal insertion slot 107 for inserting game media (currency value: such as cash, a chip, a medal, etc.) and the above-mentioned display 108 for displaying images related to the game on its upper face. The gaming terminal 104 accepts the betting operation by a player via the medal insertion slot 107 and the display 108. The player can play the game by operating a touchscreen 150 (see FIG. 18) provided on a front surface of the display 108 or the like while watching the images on the display 108. Note that in the following description, the game media may be referred as their representative “medals”.

In addition to the medal insertion slot 107 and the display 108 described above, a cash-out button 105, a ticket printer 106, a bill insertion slot 109, and a speaker 110 are provided on the upper face of the gaming terminal 104. A medal cash-out chute 112 and a medal tray 114 are provided in a front face of the gaming terminal 104.

The cash-out button 105 is a button for inputting a command for cashing out credited medals from the medal cash-out chute 112 to the medal tray 114. The ticket printer 106 prints out a bar code ticket including the data such as the credits, the date and the ID number of the gaming terminal 104. The player can use the bar code ticket at another gaming terminal 104 to place a bet. Or the player can exchange the bar code ticket to bills or the like at a prescribed location (a cashier in the casino, for example) in a gaming facility.

The bill insertion slot 109 validates the inserted bills and accepts legitimate bills. Note that the bill insertion slot 109 can also read the bar code ticket. The speaker 110 outputs music, effect sounds and the like.

A WIN lamp 111 is provided below the display 108 of the gaming terminal 104. The WIN lamp 111 of the winning gaming terminal 104 will be lit up when a bet placed at the gaming terminal 104 would get a winning. Note that the WIN lamp 111 is provided at a visible position from all of the gaming terminals 104 (nine terminals in the present embodiment) for the other players playing at the same baccarat game machine 101 to be able to check lit-up WIN lamp(s) 11 at any time.

A medal sensor (not shown) is provided at the inside of the medal insertion slot 107 to identify currency values of medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 107 and to count the inserted medals. In addition, a hopper (not shown) is provided at the inside of the medal cash-out chute 112 to cash out a prescribed number of medals from the medal cash-out chute 112.

The bet screen 161 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 108 of the gaming terminal 104 during the betting period set in the server 113 according to the process of the game. The bet screen 161 has a betting board 160. The player can place a bet by operating the touchscreen 150 (see FIG. 12) provided on the front surface of the display 108 using own chips (that are credited as an electronic information in the gaming terminal 104) during the betting period while the bet screen 161 is being displayed on the display 108.

First, the bet screen 161 displayed during the betting period will be described according to FIG. 12. A Player bet area 162, a Banker bet area 163 and a Tie bet area 164 are provided on the betting board 160 to be placed a bet on the base game. In addition, a Black bet area 165 and a Red bet area 166 are provided on the bet screen 161 to be placed a bet on the sidebet game.

A chip for a bet is placed on the Player bet area 162 by a player who anticipates a Player's win. A chip for a bet is placed on the Banker bet area 163 by a player who anticipates a Banker's win. A chip for a bet is placed on the Tie bet area 164 by a player who anticipates that the game will end in a Tie. A player cannot place chips on both the Player bet area 162 and the Banker bet area 163 at a time. However, a player can place chips on both the Player bet area 162 and the Tie bet area 164 at a time. Similarly, a player can place chips on both the Banker bet area 163 and the Tie bet area 164 at a time.

A chip for a bet is placed on the Black bet area 165 by a player who anticipates that cards of Black suits (Spades and Clubs) will be more than cards of Red suits (Hearts and Diamonds) among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A chip for a bet is placed on the Red bet area 166 by a player who anticipates that cards of Red suits (Hearts and Diamonds) will be more than cards of Black suits (Spades and Clubs) among all dealt cards at the end of the game. A player cannot place chips on both the Black bet area 165 and the Red bet area 166 at a time.

A bet confirmation button 167, bet buttons 168, a payout counter 169 and a credit counter 170 are displayed on a lower area of the betting board 160.

The bet buttons 168 are buttons for place a chip(s) on bet areas 162 to 166 specified by a player. The bet buttons 168 comprise four types of buttons including a 1-bet button 168A, 5-bet button 168B, 10-bet button 168C and 100-bet button 168D.

A player specifies one of the bet areas 162 to 166 by directly touching it on the display 108 using by a finger or the like to place a cursor 172 thereon. And then, the player touches the 1-bet button 168A once to place a 1-credit bet (chip). Each time the 1-bet button 168A is touched, a bet amount increases in the order of “1”—>“2”—>“3”—> . . . . Similarly, the player touches the 5-bet button 168B once to place a 5-credit bet (to increase the bet amount). Each time the 5-bet button 168B is touched, the bet amount increases in the order of “5”—>“10”—>“15”—> . . . . The player touches the 10-bet button 168C once to place a 10-credit bet. Each time the 10-bet button 168C is touched, the bet amount increases in the order of “10”—>“20”—>“30”—> . . . . The player touches the 100-bet button 168D once to place a 100-credit bet. Each time the 100-bet button 168D is touched, the bet amount increases in the order of “100”—>“200”—>“300”—> . . . .

After the above described betting operation, the betting content will be confirmed when the player touches the bet confirmation button 167. Consequently, the betting content can be corrected if the bet confirmation button 167 has not been touched yet.

The payout counter 169 displays a bet amount (credits) and a payout amount (credits) in the last game. Here, the newly obtained credit in the last game by the player is calculated by subtracting the bet amount from the payout.

The credit counter 170 displays the current credits owned by the player. The credits will be decreased according to a bet amount (one credit for a 1-credit bet). Also, the credits will be increased by a payout amount when a payout is provided by winning. Note that the game will be over when the owned credit by the player becomes zero.

In addition, a bet time counter 171 is provided on an upper area on the betting board 160. The bet time counter 171 displays a remaining betting time while the players can place abet. “20” will be displayed on the bet time counter 171 at the start of the betting period and this number is decremented by one per each second. The acceptance of a bet is finished when this number becomes “0”. Note that displaying image on the display 108 will be fixed in order not to accept the betting operation any more when the acceptance of a bet will be finished.

The cursor 172 is displayed on the betting board 160 to indicate the bet area 162 to 166 currently specified by the player. In addition, a chip mark(s) 173 is also displayed on the betting board 160 to indicate a bet amount and the bet area(s) 162 to 166 had been placed. The number on the chip mark 173 indicates a bet amount. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the chip mark 173 of “20” placed on the Player bet area 162 indicates that twenty credits has been placed on a Player's win.

The player places a bet on the bet screen 161 as follows. The player first specifies one of the bet areas 162 to 166 on the screen by directly touching it with a finger. As a result, the cursor 172 moves to the specified the one of the bet areas 162 to 166.

Subsequently, a bet amount is determined by touching the bet buttons 168 (1-bet button 66A, 5-bet button 66B, 10-bet button 66C and 100-bet button 66D) as mentioned above. For example, touching the 10-bet button 66C four times, the 5-bet button 66B once, and the 1-bet button 66A three times will result in a 48-credits bet.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the baccarat game machine 101 (corresponding to the “gaming machine” in claims) of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the baccarat game machine 101 has the server 113, the communal display 102 connected to the server 113 via the game controller 103 and the plural gaming terminals 104 (9 terminals in the present embodiment) connected to the server 113. Note that an internal configuration of the gaming terminal 104 will be described in detail later.

The server 113 includes a server CPU 113 a for integrating overall control of the server 113, a ROM 113 b, a RAM 113 c, a timer 113 d, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 132 connected via an LCD drive circuit 113 e and a keyboard 133.

The server CPU 113 a executes various processings based on input signals supplied from each of the gaming terminals 104 and data and programs stored in the ROM 113 b and the RAM 113 c. In addition, the server CPU 113 a transmits command signals to the gaming terminals 104 based on the results of the various processings to control the gaming terminals 104 initiatively. Especially, the server CPU 113 a transmits control signals to the game controller 103 to control executing and displaying the base game on the communal display 102.

The ROM 113 b is a semiconductor memory or the like and stores programs that implement basic functions of the baccarat game machine 101, programs for notifying maintenance timing and setting and managing notification condition, odds data for the base game and the sidebet game (payout credits per a 1-credit bet), programs for controlling the gaming terminals 104 and so on.

On the other hand, the RAM 113 c temporarily stores bet information supplied from each of the gaming terminals 104, the results of the base games executed and displayed on the communal display 102, the results of the sidebet games, the data regarding the result of the processings executed by the server CPU 113 a and so on.

In addition, the timer 113 d is connected to the server CPU 113 a. Time information of the timer 113 d is transmitted to the server CPU 113 a. The server CPU 113 a controls the execution of the base game based on the time information as described later.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the memory region of the ROM 113 b of the server 113 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, a base game odds storing area 113A and sidebet game odds storing area 113B are secured in the ROM 113 b. The base game odds storing area 113A stores odds data regarding a payout (payback) for the base game shown in the table in FIG. 5. The sidebet game odds storing area 113B stores odds data regarding a payout (payback) for the sidebet game shown in the table in FIG. 6 (or FIG. 8).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the odds data stored in the base game odds storing area 113A correspond to a “gaming rule for the primary card game” in claims. In addition, in the present embodiment, the odds data stored in the sidebet game odds storing area 113B corresponds to a “gaming rule for the secondary card game” in claims. In other words, the ROM 113 b of the server 113 configures a “memory” in claims.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the memory region of the RAM 113 c of the server 113 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, a bet information storing area 113C, a base game results storing area 113D and a sidebet game results storing area 113E are secured in the RAM 113 c. The bet information storing area 113C stores the bet information of the currently playing players. The base game results storing area 113D stores the results of the base games executed and displayed on the communal display 102. The sidebet game results storing area 113E stores the results of the sidebet games. Note that the bet information specifically contains information regarding bets placed at the gaming terminals 104 such as a specified bet area(s) 162 to 166 on the above-mentioned bet screen 161 (see FIG. 12), a bet amount and so on.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a memory region of the ROM of the roulette device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming terminal 104 in the present embodiment. Since the nine gaming terminals 104 have the same configuration basically, one of the gaming terminals 104 will be described as a representative hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 18, the gaming terminal 104 has a terminal controller 104 d which includes a terminal CPU 104 a, a ROM 104 b and a RAM 104 c. The ROM 104 b is a semiconductor memory or the like and stores programs that implement basic functions of the gaming terminal 104, other various programs necessary for controlling the gaming terminal 104, data tables and so on. Also, the RAM 104 c is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the terminal CPU 104 a, credits owned by the player (deposited in the gaming terminal 104), bet statuses of each player and so on.

A cash-out button 105 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a. The cash-out button 105 is a button to be pressed by the player usually when the game is over. Medals corresponding to credits owned by a player will be cashed out from the medal cash-out chute 112 (usually one medal for one credit) when the cash-out button 105 is pressed by the player.

The terminal CPU 104 a executes various corresponding operations based on operation signals outputted from the cash-out button 105 due to a press thereof. Specifically, the terminal CPU 104 a, when signals associated with a press of the bet confirmation button 167 are input, executes various processings based on the input signals, data and programs stored in the ROM 104 b and the RAM 104 c. The terminal CPU 104 a transmits the results of the processings to the server CPU 113 a.

In addition, the terminal CPU 104 a receives command signals from the sever CPU 113 a and controls peripheral devices constituting the gaming terminal 104 to proceed with the game. Furthermore, the terminal CPU 104 a executes various processings based on the above-mentioned input signals, data and programs stored in the ROM 104 b and the RAM 104 c depending on contents of the processings. The terminal CPU 104 a controls the peripheral devices constituting the gaming terminal 104 based on the results of the processings to proceed with the game.

In addition, a hopper 94 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a. The hopper 94 cashes out a prescribed number of medals from the medal cash-out chute 112 (see FIG. 2) based on a command signal from the terminal CPU 104 a.

In addition, the display 108 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a via the LCD drive circuit 195. The LCD drive circuit 195 has a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, VDP (Video Display Processor) and a video RAM. The program ROM stores image-control programs and various selection tables regarding the display on the display 108. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming images to be displayed on the display 108. The image control CPU determines display images to be displayed on the display 108 using the dot data in the image ROM based on the image control programs in the program ROM according to parameters set by the terminal CPU 104 a. The work RAM is provided as a temporary memory unit when the image control CPU executes the image control programs. The VDP generates display images determined by the image control CPU and outputs them to the display 108. Note that the video RAM is provided as a temporary memory device when the VDP generates the display images.

In addition, the touchscreen 150 is installed on the front surface of the display 108. Operating information of the touchscreen 150 is transmitted to the terminal CPU 104 a. The player's betting operation is input to the touchscreen 150 over the bet screen 161. Specifically, operation onto the touchscreen 150 is done for the selection of the bet areas 162 to 166, the input via the bet buttons 168 and the bet confirmation button 167 and so on. The operating information is transmitted to the terminal CPU 104 a when the touchscreen 150 has been operated. Then, the bet information (the specified bet area(s) 162 to 166 on the bet screen 161 and a bet amount(s) thereon) of a currently playing player is stored in the RAM 104 c based on the operating information. In addition, this bet information is transmitted to the server CPU 113 a and stored in the bet information storing area of the RAM 113 c.

Furthermore, the speaker 110 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a via an audio output circuit 196. The speaker 110 outputs various effect sounds based on the output signals from the audio output circuit 196 when various effects are generated.

In addition, a medal sensor 197 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a. The medal sensor 197 detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 107 (see FIG. 11) and counts the inserted medals. And then, the medal sensor 197 transmits the results of detecting and counting to the terminal CPU 104 a. The terminal CPU 104 a increases the player's credit amount stored in the RAM 104 c based on the transmitted results.

In addition, the WIN lamp 111 is connected to the terminal CPU 104 a. The terminal CPU 104 a lights up the WIN lamp 111 with a prescribed color when a bet for the base game or the sidebet game placed via the bet screen 161 brings a winning.

Hereinafter, processing of the server 113 and processing of the game controller 103 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment are described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. Here, the processing of the server 113 is executed by the server CPU 113 a of the server 113 in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 113 b, and the processing of the game controller 103 is executed by the CPU 103 a of the game controller 103 in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 103 b. FIGS. 19 and 20 are flow charts showing the gaming processings of the server 113 and the game controller 103 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment.

First, the processing of the server 113 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. As shown in FIG. 19, the server CPU 113 a starts measurement of the betting period (step S101). The betting period is a period while a bet(s) can be placed by each player. Each player participating in the game can place a bet(s) for the base game and the sidebet game on the bet area(s) 162 to 166 by operating the touchscreen 150 during the betting period. When the measurement of the betting period is started, the server CPU 113 a transmits a betting period start signal to the terminal CPU 104 a (step S102).

Next, the server CPU 113 a judges whether the remaining betting period is 5 seconds or less (step S103). The remaining betting period is displayed in the bet time counter 171 on the display 108 at each of the gaming terminals 104 (see FIG. 12). If it is judged that it has not reached the last 5 seconds, the server CPU 113 a waits until the judgment result in step S103 becomes affirmative. On the other hand, if it is judged that it has reached the last 5 seconds, the processing will proceeds to the step S104.

The server CPU 113 a transmits a notifying signal for notifying the end of the betting period to the terminal CPU 104 a of each gaming terminal 104 (step S104). After that, the server CPU 113 a judges whether the betting period has ended or not (step S105). If it is judged that the betting period has not ended, the server CPU 113 a waits until the betting period ends. On the other hand, if it is judged that the betting period has ended, the server CPU 113 a transmits a betting period end signal to the terminal CPU 104 a of each gaming terminal 104 (step S106).

Subsequently, the server CPU 113 a receives the bet information (the specified bet area(s) 162 to 166 on the bet screen 161 and a bet amount(s) thereon) of the gaming terminals 104 from each of the terminal CPU 104 a (step S107) and stores them into the bet information storing area 113C of the RAM 113 c (step S108).

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the server CPU 113 a executes a base game determination processing (step S109). In this processing, the server CPU 113 a determines cards to be dealt to the Player and the Banker and results of the base game and the sidebet game to be brought by using a random number value sampled by a sampling circuit or the like.

Next, the server CPU 113 a transmits a control signal to the CPU 103 a of the game controller 103 to notify contents to be displayed on the communal display 102 based on the determination in step S109 (step S110).

Next, the server CPU 113 a judges whether the bet(s) for the base game and the sidebet game placed at each gaming terminal 104 brings a winning or not based on the bet information of each gaming terminal 104 received in step S107 and the results of the base game and the sidebet game determined in step S109 (step S111).

Next, the server CPU 113 a executes a payout calculation processing (step S112). In the payout calculation processing, the server CPU 113 a specifies a winning bet(s) for the base game and the sidebet game with respect to each gaming terminal 104. Then, the server CPU 113 a calculates a total payout amount by using the odds datum for the base game and the sidebet game which are stored in the base game odds storing area 113A and the sidebet game odds storing area 113B of the ROM 113 b with respect to each gaming terminal 104.

Next, the server CPU 113 a transmits the payout result to be provided to each winning gaming terminal 104 based on the payout calculation processing in step S112 (step S113). Specifically, the server CPU 113 a outputs credit data corresponding to the payout amount for the base game and the sidebet game to the terminal CPU 104 a of each winning gaming terminal 104.

Next, the server CPU 113 b stores the results of the base game and the sidebet game determined in step S109 in the base game results storing area 113D and the sidebet game results storing area 113E of the RAM 113 c, respectively (step S114). After the processing of step S114, this routine is terminated.

Consequently, the processing of the game controller 103 will be described with references to FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 20, the controller CPU 103 a receives the control signal including the contents to be displayed on the communal display 102 from the server CPU 113 a of the server 113 (step S201).

Next, the controller CPU 103 a displays the base game according the contents on the communal display 102 based on the control signal received from the server CPU 113 a of the server 113 (step S 202). After the processing of step S202, this routine is terminated.

Hereinbelow, the processing executed by the terminal CPU 104 a of each gaming terminal 104 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. The terminal CPU 104 a executes the processing based on the programs stored in the ROM 104 b. FIGS. 21 to 23 are flow charts each showing the processing of the gaming terminal 104 of the baccarat game machine 101 in the present embodiment.

Here, the flag F in the RAM 104 c is being set to “1”, which is default and indicates that it is under the betting period. In addition, the bet screen 161 in FIG. 12 is being displayed on the display 108 of the gaming terminal 104. From this state, as shown in FIG. 21, the terminal CPU 104 a executes a betting period confirmation processing (step S301) and then executes a bet accepting processing (step S302).

In the betting period confirmation processing (step S301), as shown in FIG. 22, the terminal CPU 104 a confirms whether or not the betting period start signal has been received from the server CPU 113 a (step S311). If the betting period start signal has been received (step S311: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a sets the flag F in the RAM 104 c to “1” which indicates that it is under the betting period (step S312) and then terminates the betting period confirmation processing.

On the other hand, if the betting time start signal has not been received yet (step S311: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a confirms whether or not the betting period end signal has been received from the server CPU 113 a (step S313) If the betting period end signal has been received (step S313: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a sets the flag F in the RAM 104 c to “0” which indicates that it is not under the betting period (step S314) and then terminates the betting period confirmation processing. If the betting period end signal has not been received yet (step S313: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a terminates the betting period confirmation processing.

Consequently, in the bet accepting processing (step S302 in FIG. 21), as shown in FIG. 23, the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the flag F in the RAM 104 c is set to “0” (step S321). If the flag F is set to “0” (step S321: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a terminates the bet accepting processing.

On the other hand, if the flag F is not set to “0” (step S321: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the notifying signal for the end of the betting period has been received from the server CPU 113 a (step S322). If the notifying signal has been received (step S322: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a displays a message “HURRY UP! THE BET TIME IS GOING TO END SOON.” or the like on the bet screen 161 (step S322) and then shifts the process to step S324. On the other hand, if the notifying signal has not been received yet (step S322: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a shifts the process to step S324.

The terminal CPU 104 a detects a bet(s) to be placed by a player (step S324). The bet(s) is detected by detecting the player's touches on the bet areas 162 to 166 in the betting board 160 and the bet buttons 168 via the touchscreen 150. When the bet(s) is detected, the chip mark(s) 173 is displayed on the specified bet area(s) 162 to 166 on the display 108 with a bet amount thereon.

Next, the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the player has confirmed the bet(s) (step S325). The bet(s) is fixed when the player's touch on the bet confirmation button 167 on the display 108 is detected via the touchscreen 150.

If it is judged that the bet(s) has not been confirmed (step S325: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the flag F in the RAM 104 c is set to “0” (step S326). If the flag F is not set to “0” (step S326: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a returns the process to step S322.

On the other hand, if the flag F is set to “0” (step S326: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a fixes the bet(s) detected in S324 forcibly even though the player's touch on the bet confirmation button 167 on the display 108 has not been detected yet (step S327). And then, the terminal CPU 104 a shifts the process to step S329.

Otherwise, if it is judged that the bet(s) has been confirmed (step S325: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the flag F in the RAM 104 c is set to “0” (step S328). If the flag F is not set to “0” (step S328: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a waits until the judgment result in step S328 becomes affirmative.

In case where the temporary placed bet(s) is forcibly fixed in step S327 or where it is judged that the flag F is set to “0” in step S328, the terminal CPU 104 a closes accepting the betting operation via the touchscreen 150 of each gaming terminal 104 (step S329). Thereafter, the terminal CPU 104 a of each gaming terminal 104 transmits the bet information of the player (the specified bet area(s) 162 to 166 on the bet screen 161 and a bet amount(s) thereon) to the server CPU 113 a (step S330).

Next, the terminal CPU 104 a judges whether or not the payout result, which includes a data of a payout to be provided to the player, has been received from the server CPU 113 a (step S331). If it is judged that the payout result has not been received yet (step S331: NO), the terminal CPU 104 a waits until the payout result is received. On the contrary, if it is judged that the payout result has been received (step S331: YES), the terminal CPU 104 a provides a payout according to the payout result received in step S331 (step S332). Specifically, the terminal CPU 104 a stores the credit data corresponding to the payout in the RAM 104 c. Medals corresponding to the credits stored in the RAM 104 c (usually, one medal for one credit) are cashed out from the medal cash-out chute 112 when the player touches the payout button 105. Thereafter, the terminal CPU 104 a terminates the bet accepting processing.

Note that the storing processing (which, in the present embodiment, is executed in step S114 by the server CPU 113 a to store the results of the base game and the side bet game in the base game results storing area 113D and the sidebet game results storing area 113E) may be executed anytime after the base game determination processing (which, in the present embodiment, is executed in step S109 by the server CPU 113 a to determine the cards to be dealt and the results of the base game and the sidebet game to be brought).

As described above, in the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, a “controller” in claims is constituted by the server CPU 113 a, the terminal CPU 104 a and the controller CPU 113 a.

In the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, each player can place a sidebet on the sidebet game arbitrarily via the gaming terminal 104. In the sidebet game, the side bet is placed on which color of suits is more, the Blacks or the Reds, among the dealt cards. Therefore, since each player can participate in the sidebet game in addition to the base game in a single game play, each player can enjoy the game play deeply and then more satisfaction can be given to each player by the game play.

In the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, a sidebet of the sidebet game is placed on which color of suits is more, the Blacks or the Reds, among cards dealt to the Player and the Banker in the single base game. Alternatively, a sidebet of the sidebet game may be placed on which suits (Spades, Hearts, Clubs or Diamonds) is most among cards dealt to the Player and the Banker in the single base game.

Hereinafter, a baccarat game machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the above alternative case, will be described.

The baccarat game machine of the present embodiment basically has a hardware configuration similar to that of the baccarat game machine 101 of the third embodiment. Therefore, the foregoing descriptions with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18 are incorporated herein for the descriptions of the external and internal basic configuration of the baccarat game machine of the present embodiment to avoid redundant descriptions.

In the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, a bet screen 161A (FIG. 24), which is different from the bet screen 161 (FIG. 12) of the third embodiment, is displayed on the display 108 of the gaming terminal 104. Specifically, a Spade bet area 174, a Heart bet area 175, a Club bet area 176 and a Diamond bet area 177 are provided on the bet screen 161A instead of the Black bet area 165 and the Red bet area 166 on the bet screen 161 of the third embodiment. A player places a chip(s) for a sidebet on one of the bet areas 174 to 177 which is anticipated to be most. A player cannot place chips on two or more of the bet areas 174 to 177 at a time.

In the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, odds data regarding a payout (payback) for the sidebet game stored in the sidebet game odds storing area 113B in the ROM 113 b of the server 113 is shown in FIG. 8. It is different from an odds table (FIG. 6) in the third embodiment.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the odds data stored in the sidebet game odds storing area 113B corresponds to a “gaming rule for the secondary card game” in claims.

Furthermore, in the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, the processing of the server 113, which is executed by the server CPU 113 a according to the programs stored in the ROM 113 b, is partially different from that in the third embodiment. The process of step S107 (FIG. 19) in the third embodiment is changed for the present embodiment.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the server CPU 113 a receives the bet information (the specified bet area(s) 162 to 164 and 174 to 177 on the bet screen 161A and a bet amount(s) thereon) of the gaming terminals 104 from each of the terminal CPU 104 a (step S107) and stores them into the bet information storing area 113C of the RAM 113 c (step S108).

Furthermore, in the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, the processing of the gaming terminal 104, which is executed by the terminal CPU 104 a according to the programs stored in the ROM 104 b, is partially different from that in the third embodiment. The process of step S302 (FIG. 21: steps S324 and S330 in FIG. 23) in the third embodiment is changed for the present embodiment.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the terminal CPU 104 a detects a bet(s) to be placed by a player (step S324) by detecting the player's touches on the bet areas 162 to 164 and 174 to 177 and the bet buttons 168 via the touchscreen 150.

In addition, the terminal CPU 104 a of each gaming terminal 104 transmits the bet information of the player (the specified bet area(s) 162 to 164 and 174 to 177 on the bet screen 161A and a bet amount(s) thereon) to the server CPU 113 a (step S330).

In the baccarat game machine 101 of the present embodiment, each player can place a sidebet on the sidebet game arbitrarily via the gaming terminal 104. In the sidebet game, the side bet is placed on which suit is most, the Spades, the Hearts, the Clubs or the Diamonds, among the dealt cards. Therefore, since each player can participate in the sidebet game in addition to the base game in a single game play, each player can enjoy the game play deeply and then more satisfaction can be given to each player by the game play.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, the embodiments are only showing specific examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention. Accordingly, the specific configuration of each means or the like can be modified in design appropriately. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only listing the most preferable effects that can arise from the present invention. For this reason, the effects produced by the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

For example, the foregoing first to fourth embodiments have been described by taking the baccarat game as one example. However, the present invention is also applicable to other card games in each of which displayed (dealt) cards are all disclosed (faced-up) by the end of the primary card game.

In addition, in the foregoing first and third embodiments, a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is provided to a player when cards of the color on which the player placed a bet are more than cards of the other color. However, this ×1.5 payback rule may be revoked and an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount may be provided to a player only when all dealt cards have the same color as the color on which the player placed a bet.

Alternatively, in the foregoing first and third embodiments an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount may be provided to a player when all dealt cards have the same color as the color on which the player placed a bet. However, this extra ×3 payback rule may be revoked and a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is only provided to a player when cards of the color on which the player placed a bet are more than cards of the other color.

In addition, in the foregoing second and fourth embodiments, a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is provided to a player when cards of the suit on which the player placed a bet are most among all dealt cards. However, this ×1.5 payback rule may be revoked and an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount may be provided to a player only when all dealt cards have the same suit as the suit on which the player placed a bet.

Alternatively, in the foregoing second and fourth embodiments, an extra payback amount three times as much as a bet amount may be provided to a player when all dealt cards have the same suit as the suit on which the player placed a bet. However, this extra ×3 payback rule may be revoked and a payback amount 1.5 times as much as a bet amount is only provided to a player when cards of the suit on which the player placed a bet are most among all dealt cards.

Furthermore, in the foregoing detail description, the characteristic portions of the present invention have been mainly described in order to make the present invention easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above in the foregoing detail description, and can be applied to other embodiments, and its applicable range is wide. Moreover, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are used for the purpose of precisely explaining the present invention, and not used for the purpose of limiting interpretations of the present invention. Further, it should be easy for those skilled in the art to contemplate other configurations, methods, etc., which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. For this reason, the description of the appended claims must be construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of not departing from a range of the technical ideas of the present invention. Moreover, the abstract aims to allow the United States Patent and Trademark Office, general public office, and engineers who are not familiar with a patent, legal terms and technical terms, and who pertain to the technical field of the present invention, to quickly judge the technical content and essence of the present application with a simple study. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be assessed from the description of the appended claims. Furthermore, it is desirable that the present invention be interpreted by fully taking already-disclosed literatures and the like into consideration in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and unique effects of the present invention.

The forgoing detail descriptions include the processing executed by the computer. The above descriptions and expressions are described in order for those skilled in the art to understand the present invention in the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used for deriving one result should be understood as a processing without a self-contradiction. Moreover, in each step, a transmission, reception, storage, etc., of an electric or magnetic signal is performed. A bit, value, symbol, letter, term, number and the like are used to express such signals in the processing in each step, but it should be noted that these are simply used to make the explanation easy. In addition, the processing at each step is sometimes described in an expression in common with human activities, but the processings described in this specification are principally executed by various types of devices. Furthermore, another configuration required for executing each step is obvious from the foregoing descriptions. 

1. A gaming method for playing primary and secondary card games, comprising: (a) placing a first bet on the primary card game, (b) placing an optional second bet on the secondary card game, (c) displaying and then disclosing cards dealt for the primary card game, (d) awarding a prize for the first bet according to a rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, and (e) awarding a prize for the optional second bet according to a rule of the secondary card game based on colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.
 2. The gaming method according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated color of suits, and the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.
 3. The gaming method according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated color of suits, and the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.
 4. The gaming method according to claim 1, wherein the first bet is essential for a game play.
 5. The gaming method according to claim 1, wherein the primary card game includes a baccarat game.
 6. A gaming method for playing primary and secondary card games, comprising: (a) placing a first bet on the primary card game, (b) placing an optional second bet on the secondary card game, (c) displaying and then disclosing cards dealt for the primary card game, (d) awarding a prize for the first bet according to a rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, and (e) awarding a prize for the optional second bet according to a rule of the secondary card game based on kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.
 7. The gaming method according to claim 6, wherein the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated kind, and the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.
 8. The gaming method according to claim 6, wherein the step (b) further comprises: anticipating a kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game before the cards are disclosed, and placing the optional second bet on the anticipated kind of suits, and the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical.
 9. The gaming method according to claim 6, wherein the first bet is essential for a game play.
 10. The gaming method according to claim 6, wherein the primary card game includes a baccarat game.
 11. A gaming machine for playing primary card game and secondary card games, comprising: at least one gaming terminal at which a first bet is placed on the primary card game and an optional second bet is placed on the secondary card game; a memory in which a rule of the primary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the first bet and a rule of the secondary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the optional second bet are stored; and a controller operable to: (a) accepting the first bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (b) accepting the optional second bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (c) award a prize for the first bet according to the rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, after accepting of the first bet and the optional second bet have been closed, and (d) award a prize for the optional second bet according to the rule of the secondary card game based on colors of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.
 12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the controller is operable to accept an anticipated color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b), the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, and the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).
 13. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the controller is operable to accept an anticipated color of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b), the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the color of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the color of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, and the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).
 14. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the controller is operable to accept the optional second bet in (b) only when the first bet has been accepted in (a).
 15. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the primary card game includes a baccarat game.
 16. A gaming machine for playing primary card game and secondary card games, comprising: at least one gaming terminal at which a first bet is placed on the primary card game and an optional second bet is placed on the secondary card game; a memory in which a rule of the primary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the first bet and a rule of the secondary card game referenced at awarding a prize for the optional second bet are stored; and a controller operable to: (a) accepting the first bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (b) accepting the optional second bet placed at the at least one gaming terminal, (c) award a prize for the first bet according to the rule of the primary card game based on the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game, after accepting of the first bet and the optional second bet have been closed, and (d) award a prize for the optional second bet according to the rule of the secondary card game based on kinds of suits of the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game.
 17. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the controller is operable to accept an anticipated kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b), the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits which is most among the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, and the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).
 18. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the controller is operable to accept an anticipated kind of suits which will be most among the cards for the primary card game as the optional second bet in (b), the rule of the secondary card game includes odds for a case where the kind of suits of all the disclosed cards dealt for the primary card game and the kind of suits on which the optional second bet has been placed come to be identical, and the controller is operable to award the prize for the optional second bet according to the odds in (d).
 19. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the controller is operable to accept the optional second bet in (b) only when the first bet has been accepted in (a).
 20. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the primary card game includes a baccarat game. 